RUNNING AND JOGGING

Whenever I'm training for a marathon, I always know when I'm getting close to race day because the marathon nightmares begin. Sometimes I dream that I'm late for the marathon because I forgot to set my alarm or I mixed up the a.m. and p.m. on the alarm clock (just like that Seinfeld episode). Or, I show up on time, but I don't have my running shoes, or another critical item, like my race bib.

It's very common for runners to have anxiety dreams about a race, whether it's their first or their fortieth. But there are things you can do to try to control your pre-race nerves and limit those crazy dreams. Try some of these ideas:

Be prepared. Part of being ready for your race is obviously making sure you do the proper training. But you can do other things to help feel better prepared for your race, which can lower your pre-race anxiety levels. For example, many runners like to study the course map so they know exactly what to expect and where. If you know where the aid stations are on the course, you'll feel less anxious about staying hydrated during your race.

Start packing. If you're traveling to a race and you're anxious about forgetting an important race item, start packing early and use a checklist to make sure you're not missing anything. Waiting until the last minute to get ready for a race will only increase your anxiety.

Use visualization. A couple of weeks before your race, begin visualizing yourself starting the race, running in it, and crossing the finish line. Picture what you'll be wearing, who will be watching you, and how you'll feel when you hear people cheering as you cross the finish line. Why does this help reduce your anxiety? You'll be eliminating -- or at least minimizing -- the fear of the unknown, which is a huge cause of stress. By imagining yourself running your race, you're familiarizing yourself with what might happen, as well as how you may react.